Abstract: A plate attachment system and method comprising an image bearing plate, which may take the form of a cameo, substantially permanently adhered to a memorial substrate is disclosed. The system and method of the invention comprises a plate, an adhesive in contact with the plate, and a substrate in contact with the adhesive such that the plate is substantially permanently bonded to the substrate. The adhesive may comprise a very high bond acrylic foam tape or other suitable adhesive. The image may be engraved into the plate by an impact carving process. The plate attachment system is weather resistant, and may be installed from a kit in the field without the necessity of engaging skilled labor.